They are the agents that cause destruction or inhibition of the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi on living surfaces such as skin and mucous membranes. In the 19th century, the discovery and development of antiseptic chemicals and principles began. They are different from antibiotics and antiviral drugs that work inside the body, and from disinfectants, which are chemicals applied to non-living items and surfaces.
Mechanisms of Action:
All antiseptics interfere with the life processes of
microorganisms. Example: Benzylalkonium interferes with intracellular signaling
and chemistry to the point that the cell membrane begins to disintegrate.
Iodine compounds irreversibly deform, or denature, critical proteins in
bacteria, starting at the cell membrane and moving inwards. Alcohol also
denatures and destroys cell membranes. Some soaps and detergents cause
bacterial cell membranes to lose integrity or denature critical proteins. Other
antiseptics directly interfere with critical enzymes inside a microbe.
Types of Antiseptics:
Many antiseptics are used today and they are classified
based on their active chemical ingredients.
1. Alcohol Antiseptics: They are generally composed
of isopropyl or methyl alcohols and are commonly used to sterilize hard
surfaces such as medical tools at hospitals. Medical personnel also use alcohol
gels as hand sanitizers in order to prevent the spread of disease.
2. Chlorhexidine Antiseptics: It is used as both oral
and skin cleansing products. It is the active ingredient in prescription
mouthwashes like Peridex (According to the FDA Professional Drug Information
database). It is applied either directly onto wounds or to unbroken skin before
surgery in order to proactively prevent infections.
3. Idochlor Antiseptics: They are applied as a
topical treatment to unbroken skin or mucus membranes to prevent infection
before surgery. Example: Betadine.
4. Peroxygen Antiseptics: They are used in bubbling
reactions to blood and damaged cells. Example: hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen
peroxide is used to cleanse wounds and disinfect the skin. It is also used as a
gargle or mouthwash.
5. Phenol Antiseptics: They are used primarily as
skin disinfectants and in medicated soaps and scrubs. In addition, phenol can
also be used in mouthwashes and throat lozenges.
6. Quaternary Ammonium Compound Antiseptics: They are
also known as "Quats,". They are the group of chemicals used in
antiseptics commonly used to sterilize the skin before surgery. They are also
used as a preservative in eye drops. Example: Benzalkonium chloride.
Ideal Properties of Antiseptics:
• They should have broad-spectrum activity and should
destroy microorganisms.
• They should have rapid bactericidal activity.
• They should be active at any pH.
• They should be non-irritant, and non-corrosive.
• They should not stain the instruments.
• They should be soluble in water.
• They should penetrate deeply into the bacterial cells.
• They should not damage materials or living tissues when
they have come in contact.
Differences between Antiseptics and Disinfectants:
|
Disinfectants |
Antiseptics |
|
1. They are
mainly used to kill the microbes on non-living objects. |
1. They are
used to kill the microbes on the skin. |
|
2. They have the
power to kill all the microorganisms and bacteria on the surfaces. |
2. They do
not have the power to kill all the microorganisms and bacteria on the
surfaces. |
|
3. They can
cause skin corrosion and inflammation. |
3. They do
not cause any skin damage or inflammation. |
|
4. They are
used in the cleaning of laboratory and household items. |
4. They are
used in surgery and hand washing. |
|
5. They
destroy the cell walls of microorganisms or interfere with the metabolism of
microbes that thrive on the surface of an object. |
5. They
transport through the lymphatic system and destroy bacteria within the living
body. |